Nitrux is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu suitable for laptops and desktop computers. Nitrux provides all the benefits of the Ubuntu operating system combined with a focus on portable, redistributable application formats like AppImages. Nitrux uses the LTS branch of Ubuntu as a basis using only the core system and then slowly building up to ensure a clean user experience. Nitrux is suitable for newcomers to Linux as well as *nix experienced users. Nitrux uses KDE Plasma 5 and KDE Applications; we also use our in-house software suite Nomad Desktop adding to the user experience.
This sounds very similar to Elementary OS, but instead of Gnome and Gtk+-oriented, it’s built around Qt and KDE technologies. I like distributions that try to do something more interesting than being just another random Gnome or KDE distribution, and I especially like how the open source Linux community seems to be focusing more and more on polish, design, and simplicity lately. Very welcome additions to the Linux world.
I was eager to try this out, but I’m on a Mac and I want to try it in a VM. It’s too bad that’s near impossible – from my own attempt and what I’ve read in the comments on their blog, installing the system requires using their tool “znx” from an existing Linux distro or from Windows 10 with WSL. If only they had a live DVD then they could include znx for the install as part of it. I assume the driver support in Parallels wouldn’t be a problem since it’s based on Ubuntu.
Just scroll to the bottom and you’ll find a download link.
It takes you here:
https://www.opendesktop.org/p/1188112/#files-panel
That ISO was unbootable for me.
Edited 2018-11-03 00:03 UTC
OK, I take it back, at least somewhat – the Nitrux ISO boots just fine in VirtualBox. And it should be noted that Parallels is notorious for having a hard time running “alt” Linux distros. I do wish that the process of installing it to disk was a lot simpler, though – I ended up re-downloading the ISO within the live instance (which required 4GB of RAM being dedicated, in order to fit the 1.3GB file into memory) in order to be able to do it. Maybe there’s an easier way, but it’s not documented. For reference, the necessary steps when using the znx tool are to first “init” and then “deploy” with a name like “nitrux/current” and referencing the ISO file. After these needlessly unintuitive steps, which I assume they are going to iron out in future releases, I have a perfectly functioning desktop installed in a VM.
My overall impression is that they are indeed at the “beginning” of the journey, but I really like where they are heading. So far it is the best-looking, least-fiddly Plasma-based distro I have tested, or at least it promises to be once they iron out the rough edges. I also really like the aesthetic of the apps they built; as with Elementary OS there is a focus on consistency and simplicity that I really appreciate, which is supported by an app-building framework that helps developers build more apps that fit right in.
The most important task IMHO is to get the installation process to be stupid simple for a complete noob, since that seems to be the target audience where this distro has the most potential to shine. Of course I realize that it’s understandable that they want to have more technically-minded people checking it out at this early stage.
On the whole I like the direction this OS is taking, I wish them all the best and am excited to see how it will progress in the coming years.
Edited 2018-11-03 03:01 UTC
Oh yeah. Just what the world needs. Another crappy gamer distro that looks and acts like a crappy high-end cell phone or a new gen Star Trek display/interface which blows up in your face if you stare at it too hard.
Edited 2018-11-03 04:07 UTC
Nice one. I don’t think there is any point downloading and installing at all. Check out the Youtube video and you will see enough. I don’t think it’s anywhere yet near where Elementary is. Maybe 25% on the way sure. It’s a reconfigured/themed Plasma5. Congrats/Kudos/Encouragement and all that to them, but really there must be another way. Perhaps base it on Kubuntu and use a PPA with their packages/themes. Frankly I’d like to see as a user of KDE/Buntu for 15 odd years (sorry to be selfish) is a good browser and a Thunderbird fork with full integration with Plasma (ala EL-OS). Most of the QT/Plasma apps available are pretty good, it’s mainly these 2 that need attention. The EL-OS idea is good and hopefully will move the communities to head that way. (But please don’t dumb down/hamstring Plasma to that level/that far). Oh and is there anyone out there that wants a DE that has built in ability to mount network shares nicely for love’s sake (NFS and all the others).
Edited 2018-11-03 00:18 UTC